Potential Career/Occupation Information

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Tax Lawyer

Occupation Information table

Overview:

Tax attorneys provide advice to their clients about taxes they may have to pay to the federal, state, or foreign government. They advise clients how to legally minimize their taxes in their business or personal affairs.

Duties:

They confer with clients to determine what kinds of income and assets are taxable and what expenses and disbursements qualify as a legal deduction.

They advise clients about legal exposures they have in their tax reporting procedures. They prepare opinions about tax liabilities they incurred from past transactions.

They defend clients in tax litigation where a government agency claims taxes are due from the client. Study the case details, evaluate the client's earlier tax returns to prepare a defense.

Advise individuals and organizations about the legal management of their estates, gifts, properties and investments. They recommend legal instruments to minimize the tax on these items.

Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2014 to 2024, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.

Starting Salary:

Government positions generally pay less than those in private firms.

Salary Range (National Average):

$55,000 to $62,000

Growth:

Education Level:

This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

Additional Training/Education:

To practice law in the courts of any state, a person must be licensed or admitted to its Bar by passing an examination. To qualify for the exam, you must complete at least four years of college and graduate from an approved law school.

Recommended Skills:

Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.

Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.

Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.

Bringing people together to discuss and resolve differences.

Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.

The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.

Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.

Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.

Recommended Values:

Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.

Doing something to contribute to the betterment of the world. Doing something for the greater good.

Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.